Yes I have Danny, I visited Caol Ila distillery during the festival week in 2007. A lady from Lagavulin was doing the tour and she was quite good. I personally think the tour will be better outside the festival week. For me the person who is actually doing the tour on behalf of the distillery is often making the difference between a good tour and an ok tour and since I haven't met the person who is normally doing the tour at Caol Ila, I can't say much about that

To make it short... if you have the time, go for it and find out! You will love the view from the still room

Hi Ron ,
That will have been Marjorie from Lagavulin .
I always say when asked about touring Caol Ila that it's effectively a factory so expect it to be Noisy !
Unfortunately we've never enjoyed tours of this distillery due to the noise and not one of the best tour guides , the guys probably very nice once you get to know him but he was too quiet for the surroundings !
I will back you up though in that the tour is worth it just for the view out of the still room window across to Jura !
Gordon

Useful Links

Islay Blog Archive

Islay Film Tip

The Maggie is one of Ealing studios lesser known comedies. A wily old skipper of a Western Isles 'Puffer' and his motley crew lead all who come into contact with them a fine old time! Many scenes on Islay!